The excitement of guests arriving can turn your sweet, furry friend into a barking and jumping dynamo. While it's wonderful to have visitors, managing your dog's behavior is essential for a harmonious greeting. In this blog post, we'll explore techniques to curb excessive barking and jumping, making your dog a more pleasant presence when guests arrive.
Step 1: Doorbell Desensitization - A Prelude to Peace
Before we dive into controlling barking and jumping, let's revisit the importance of doorbell desensitization. We've already sent our dogs to their designated spots and utilized a tether if needed, ensuring a calm and controlled entrance for guests. Now, as our visitors start to arrive, we can focus on addressing barking and jumping.
The Barking Philosophy: Silence on Command
Our philosophy is simple: dogs can bark all they want until we ask them to stop, but once we do, there should be no more barking. Consistency is key. If your dog continues to bark, we introduce a correction. Our barking correction is a mixture of 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water in a squirt bottle.
For the initial 2-3 corrections, we suggest lifting their lip gently and squirting the mixture directly into their mouth. This method associates the correction with the undesirable behavior. After that, you can aim the squirt in their general direction. Remember, follow-through is everything. Only say "quiet" if you can promptly follow through with the correction. For additional insights, please watch our video for a demonstration. And a discussion on Jumping.
Dealing with Jumping - The Leash and Tether Strategy
Jumping on guests is a common issue, often exacerbated by granting too much freedom initially. To effectively manage jumping, your dog should be on a leash so you can step on it to prevent them from jumping. Alternatively, utilize a tether until your dog is calm.
The Greeting Protocol: On the Spot and a "Settle" Command
We recommend implementing a greeting protocol. Start by having your dog go to their designated spot when people come in. Allow them some time to settle and calm down. Once they're composed, they can be released from the tether or leash.
Introduce a "settle" command if your dog starts getting amped up. Dogs shouldn't greet guests unless they're in a calm state of mind. If your dog tends to go overboard with excitement and jumps all over guests, you can use the vinegar-water mixture and say "give space." Squirt the ground in front of your dog to encourage them to move back. This technique is incredibly helpful in preventing a chaotic welcome.
By following these techniques and staying consistent, you can ensure that your dog greets guests with composure, creating a more enjoyable experience for everyone. Remember, it's all about setting boundaries and guiding your furry friend toward polite behavior.
In our next article, we'll dive deeper into the "settle" command and explore additional strategies for a well-mannered dog during guest interactions. Stay tuned! 🐾✨
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